I get these cynical responses, but ultimately don't many HN readers - me included - want this kind of law too? Why are people so hung up about the guy's motivations?

seems like a case of letting perfect be the enemy of good

Seeing what is happening with GDPR currently is cause to be cynical.

Lawmakers tend to copy & reference laws from other places as case studies. So if one law shows up somewhere, that law tends to start spreading around like it's a meme.

Beware label vs. content. Good intentions, or their colour, pave many routes to Hell.

Absolutely. It helps manifesting monopolies because smaller companies can’t afford to compete anymore.